Update

Today I was able to upload preaching to our sermon network. I hope that these messages will be a blessing to all who hear them! To access our sermon network just click on the title of this update or go to http://sermon.net/salembaptistchurchcinci

"Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing."
I Peter 3: 8, 9

This morning for my private devotional time with the Lord I was able to begin reading from the end of I Samuel to chapter 12 of II Samuel. While I was reading about the life of David, I noticed something that really convicted my heart. That which convicted my heart was the spirit of David. David was a man who really lived I Peter 3:8, 9.

Notice how David treated those who hated him.

I. When Saul was killed David honored him. (II Samuel 1:13-27)

II. When Abner was killed, David acclaimed him a prince. (II Samuel 3:31-39)

III. When Ishbosheth was killed David put to death his murders. (II Samuel 4:1-12)

Would to God that I could be more like David!

• 1Pe 3:9, "Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing..."
• 1Th 5:15 "See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men."
• I Peter 2:21-23, "For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:"

May God instill in each of our hearts this day a gracious attitude and a Christlike spirit. Our churches, workplaces, homes, and hearts would be better off if it were so.

The Secret Source of Strength

I'm studying for tonight's preaching & prayer meeting. Over the past several weeks I have been preaching in the book of Proverbs. Tonight I will be preaching out of Provers 10:29 on the subject "The Secret Source of Strength". The secret of strength is "the way of the Lord", not vacation, not vindication, NOT WORLDLY AMUSEMENTS. AMEN!!! Proverbs 10:29, "The way of the LORD is strength to the upright: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity."

Standing ON or Staggering AT the Promises of God

"He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;"-Romans 4:20

In the Book of Romans, the Apostle Paul pens down that Abraham "staggered not at the promise of God". The word stagger (according to Webster's 1828 Dictionary) means, "to cease to stand firm". The Bible here declares that Abraham stood firmly on the promises of God. This man 100 years old according to Romans 4, still believed that God would do what he said he would! What a faith in a God who still can.

Dear Christian, we are living in the last days and all around us we hear that the Lord isn't working like he used to do! Due to the continual berating of people it's easy as believers to begin thinking these things are so. As a pastor and you as well, have to continually remind ourselves that God still can! What are some of the things that God can still do?

I. He Can Still Save the Sinner!

• Luke 19:10 "For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost."

II. He Can Still Supply for the Believer!

• Php 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

III. He Can Still Sustain the Church!

• Mt 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

IV. He Still can Send Necessary Workers!

• Lu 10:2 Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.

Years ago, Harold Sightler, that great pastor, preached a message called "God Can". The Tabernacle Baptist Church of Greenville South Carolina did great things for God because it was ingrained in them that the God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and David is the same God that still can work wonders among his people.

In our text, notice the result of standing on the promise of God: "giving glory to God". When we as God's children take God at his Word, it pleases him, and gives him glory! Friend let us "STAND ON, NOT STAGGER AT, THE PROMISES OF GOD".

BIBLE CONFERENCE

Beginning this Sunday our church will be honored to have with us Dr. Ricky Dunsford (Executive Vice President of the Rock of Ages Prison Ministry) for a Bible Conference. The theme for the conference is "SO GREAT SALVATION" from Hebrews 2:3. Bro. Ricky is a tremendous preacher and I know that he will be a blessing to our church. As soon as we can, we will post his preaching on our blog. Please be in prayer for us that the Lord would work in my heart and also in the hearts of the people.

-Ps 85:6 "Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?"

-Ps 138:7 "Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me:..."


On a Personal Note:

Many have inquired on how my wife is doing after surgery. She is doing very well. She is able to walk without any aid, and also able to shower etc. Even though she is still in pain form the surgery she was able to attend the preaching service last Sunday. Thank you for your prayers!